As our access to vaccines eases the pandemic in the Global North, U.S.-based conspiritualists keep riding the wave of covid-denial influence—all the way to the bank. This week, Julian reports that Gen-Z spiritual entrepreneur Jason Shurka has launched a new media hub, The Academy of Divine Knowledge, and affiliating with the predictable rogue’s gallery—Christiane Northrup, Del Bigree, Sayer Ji, David Icke, and Judy Mikovits among them. This confederacy of dunces charges a $33 monthly membership because “33 is a Master Number that holds many divine meanings” that leads to “infinite possibilities,” such as magically draining your bank account.

Of course, the pandemic is far from over. India is still going through the worst of it, and as Matthew discusses, one reason appears to be the influence of astrologers on Narendra Modi’s decision-making. Meanwhile, Derek unpacks the repeated fat-shaming being done by conspiritualists when boasting of their awesome immune systems.

In this week’s interview, Derek talks with Venezuelan-American singer/songwriter Devendra Banhart about global music, anti-vaxxers, conspiritualist ideology, and paying $24 for a smoothie in Malibu. Next week will continue the theme, as we look at music’s influence in cult worship and indoctrination, with Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros joining the discussion.

Show Notes

The Racist and Problematic History of the Body Mass Index

Fat shaming, BMI and alienation: COVID-19 brought new stigma to large-sized people

Fat-shamers have felt enabled by Covid, and it’s hard to fight back

CDC: Obesity, Race/Ethnicity, and COVID-19

The Bizarre and Racist History of the BMI

Uncovering and Destigmatizing Male Body Dysmorphia in Popular Culture

Jewish Star article about Jason Shurka’s “miracle Torah”

Signature Investment Group team page w/Jason Shurka as VP

Matthew on Modi and the stars

The Indian government is cracking down on harrowing

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